Wind turbine plan draws mixed feelings

NORTH OLMSTEDResidents still have mixed feelings about
allowing for the construction of wind turbines and an
overlay district, said Melissa Meredith, vice chair of the
planning and design commission.

The proposal, which would create a zoning code chapter for
the new technology, was first introduced June 10, and
residents gathered again July 8 to voice their thoughts.

Commission members are preparing to vote Aug. 12 on the
ordinances calling for the allowance of small and medium
wind energy systems, roof mounted applications and the
establishment of an overlay district where medium wind
energy conversion systems could be located if a conditional
use permit was granted.

The district is limited to select industrial parcels and
public properties with City Hall, school district campuses
and the area surrounding Springvale as potential sites, said
Mayor Thomas O'Grady.

"As technology continues to evolve, so must the
city," Meredith said. "Establishing ordinances
dealing with and regulating wind energy conversion systems
is the prudent thing to do."

Last week's commission meeting was very similar to the
first public meeting, Meredith said.

"There were people in attendance both for and against
the WECS, as well as others who simply had questions,"
Meredith said.

Meredith estimates that commission members will have
amendments to the ordinances. City Council has set its
public hearing date for Aug. 25, and committee meetings will
follow, including three readings and a committee review of
the ordinances.

"It will then be up to City Council to officially make
any changes they deem necessary prior to their vote,"
Meredith said.

Planning Director Kim Wenger estimated a final vote
sometime in September or October.

Wind turbine plan draws mixed feelings

NORTH OLMSTEDResidents still have mixed feelings about
allowing for the construction of wind turbines and an
overlay district, said Melissa Meredith, vice chair of the
planning and design commission.

The proposal, which would create a zoning code chapter for
the new technology, was first introduced June 10, and
residents gathered again July 8 to voice their thoughts.

Commission members are preparing to vote Aug. 12 on the
ordinances calling for the allowance of small and medium
wind energy systems, roof mounted applications and the
establishment of an overlay district where medium wind
energy conversion systems could be located if a conditional
use permit was granted.

The district is limited to select industrial parcels and
public properties with City Hall, school district campuses
and the area surrounding Springvale as potential sites, said
Mayor Thomas O'Grady.

"As technology continues to evolve, so must the
city," Meredith said. "Establishing ordinances
dealing with and regulating wind energy conversion systems
is the prudent thing to do."

Last week's commission meeting was very similar to the
first public meeting, Meredith said.

"There were people in attendance both for and against
the WECS, as well as others who simply had questions,"
Meredith said.

Meredith estimates that commission members will have
amendments to the ordinances. City Council has set its
public hearing date for Aug. 25, and committee meetings will
follow, including three readings and a committee review of
the ordinances.

"It will then be up to City Council to officially make
any changes they deem necessary prior to their vote,"
Meredith said.

Planning Director Kim Wenger estimated a final vote
sometime in September or October.